Do you believe that your life matters? That you’re destined to bring healing to a broken world that needs what you have to offer? Yes, you!

Jesus’ appeal to some of His first disciples reflects a twofold calling on their lives: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19 ESV). They were called to Him and to work with Him.

The disciples were described as “unschooled and ordinary men,” yet Jesus wanted them with Him and wanted to empower their lives to have eternal significance. I bet they never in their wildest dreams could have guessed how God would use them.

As one who grew up struggling to make friends, late in my growth spurt, and the ordinary son of an oil executive, this is encouraging! Jesus’ calling applies to and empowers every believer. It’s not just pastors, cross-cultural missionaries and “super-Christians” who can really know Him and make a difference in the world. It’s you and me! God sent us as “missionaries” right where we live, work, and play. We cross boundaries to bring others the hope of Jesus whether those boundaries are cultural differences, personality traits, or neighborhood streets.

Before we do anything, Jesus calls us to Himself, to ground our life in His Truth and who we are becoming in Christ Jesus. We get to know Christ through the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit, and through His people. We can experience the Gospel, that redemptive ballad of God’s love and purpose for a sin-drowned world. We can experience closeness with God and, as we experience it, we will begin to draw others into that same relationship.

The true test of life in Christ is a transforming character—the extent to which we are a reflection of the Spirit of God to a watching world. He has called us to follow Him, to be like Him, and to help others do the same, whether we’re in New York City, small town Nebraska, or a South Asian jungle.

To be a follower of Jesus means that no matter our career, education, or season of life, we are called to know Him and to work with Him in a spiritual harvest. He has called us To Know Christ and to Make Him Known®, and to help others do the same. Themission of God, as Jesus describes it, is not just for people who go to a remote African village, it is for everyday people like you and me, through our daily lives.

Want more down-to-earth insights on knowing Christ and making Him known? Parts of this post were taken from the booklet Five Traits of a Christ-Follower. Purchase the whole book for just $2.99 at www.navpress.com.

Comments

Doug Nuenke

Cate, it is wonderful to hear how God is using you as a missionary right where you are. May we as believers continue to reflect the hope of Jesus as we go through our everyday lives!

8/7/2017 9:45:00 AM

Cate Nunan

It is so true that we are here to be a true reflection of God, to be living as disciples of Christ in a 'watching world', even if we don't always feel that. I was bold and spoke to the young checkout operator at the grocery store yesterday about how much I had just enjoyed church. She was interested and a conversation ensued. I had not expected that and was so grateful for the advice of our Pastor that morning to just live our daily lives for God in our own community and the rest would follow. I look forward to reading your books when they arrive. Cate in Australia

8/7/2017 3:02:39 AM

Doug Nuenke

Great insights, Cary. I agree. May God help us each find the right motivation and skill to enter the world of our not-yet-believing friends.

7/24/2017 1:34:18 PM

Cary Humphries

Thanks Doug, "crossing boundaries". So good to remember. I'm thinking I erect these barriers in my head at times. They come down, first with gospel motivated compassion, then with sincere interest in the other person. Appreciate your encouragement.

7/22/2017 7:49:11 AM

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Making Waves

Looking at what it is to

Grow in relationship with God

Know and live from the Scriptures

Live among those who don’t know Christ

Engage in community with other Christ-followers

Show Christ-followers how to help others follow Christ

Exploring these ideas together and encouraging one another in the worthy calling of following Jesus.

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